Kuretake Inn Okayama

The location is good, the breakfast is excellent, and I thought it was good value, though the bathrooms are tiny by Western standards. I booked through an Air France package and couldn’t choose my room. Japanese hotel rooms are often small and cramped. With a double bed, one person ends up next to the wall and has to climb out to use the bathroom at night. At 70, I had to do that several times a night, so I’d get a twin room. Okayama is a lovely city, with a fabulous castle, glorious gardens, and plenty of great places to eat. It’s much better value than Japan’s usual popular tourist spots.

The main station is about a 15-minute walk away, and the route is easy to find. Breakfast and one adult evening drink are included. You can also use the laundry machines with your own detergent, which is available at the front desk. A good no-frills option at a reasonable price.

The staff went out of their way to handle a request for me, and I ended up in a different room, so I added a star. I slept comfortably, and breakfast was decent. The interior is dated and has seen better days. There’s also a two-hour Happy Hour with one free drink.

Staff were friendly, and there’s free breakfast plus one free alcoholic drink during Happy Hour from 6-8pm. I was surprised to find a washing machine and dryer available for free, which was really handy.